Collapsed vein said to be factor in botched Oklahoma execution

Oklahoma City – A prison report claims that a collapsed vein was a prominent factor in the botched execution of Oklahoma inmate Clayton Lockett. As reported by Reuters, the report Thursday also stated that a stun gun had been used to restrain Lockett and the needle had been inserted in his groin area as opposed to his arm.

Department of Corrections Director Robert Patton said in the report that the execution protocols in place in Oklahoma needed revising, and called for a stay of executions indefinitely until appropriate actions were taken.

The state has been under fire over the recent death of Lockett, 38, who died of an apparent heat attack after a failed lethal injection. Many have called the incident a violation of protections against cruel and unusual punishment outlined by the U.S. Constitution.

Patton is quoted as stating in the report, “I intend to explore best practices from other states and ensure the Oklahoma protocol adopts proven standards.”